Adolescent Inpatient Unit – FAQs
How does my adolescent get admitted to the program?
What if my adolescent has more than one problem: for example, depression and drug abuse?
Will my adolescent have his/her own doctor?
What is the average length of stay?
Will family members be involved in the treatment program?
When my adolescent finishes treatment at Silver Hill Hospital can he/she go back to their psychiatrist or other treating clinician?
What will my insurance cover?
Can you send your adolescent a care package?
Are laptops allowed? Are computers available?
Can cell phones be used?
What are the exercise options?
What is the dress code?
How much clothing should we bring?
Are there laundry facilities?
Can children visit?
Are there Area Hotels where parents and family members can stay when visiting? Q. How does my adolescent get admitted to the program?
A. You or the referring clinician can call our Admissions Department at 866-542-4455. We will arrange a comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment by our admissions team.
top Q. What if my adolescent has more than one problem: for example, depression and drug abuse?
A. At Silver Hill our staff is expert in treating dual disorders. We believe that it is important to treat both the substance use disorder and mental illness simultaneously as they are equally important in the overall success of managing a patient’s recovery. Often, each diagnosis has its own treatment and patients are taught to manage their entire range of problems. A treatment plan is developed for each patient to help him/her with each component of the entire problem.
top Q. Will my adolescent have his/her own doctor?
A. Your adolescent will be assigned to one of our full-time staff doctors with whom you will meet regularly. He/She will get to know your adolescent from the beginning by doing a careful diagnostic assessment. Based on this assessment your adolescent and his/her doctor will develop a treatment plan. If it includes medication your doctor will initiate medication treatment, adjust the dose as needed and assess its effectiveness.
top
Q. What is the average length of stay?
A. At Silver Hill Hospital we treat each patient individually. It depends on the adolescent’s individual diagnosis and severity of illness. Most patients stay between 8 and 11 days on the adolescent inpatient unit.
top Q. Will family members be involved in the treatment program?
A. We strongly encourage family involvement, although for patients older than 16 this must be with their consent by state regulation. You can expect to meet with the team doctor and social worker to discuss such issues as diagnoses, treatment plan and discharge plan. There is also a weekly Family Forum for you and other families, led by one of our licensed clinicians, to help provide you with education and direction.
top Q. When I finish my treatment at Silver Hill Hospital can I go back to my psychiatrist or other treating clinician?
A. Yes, when our patients are discharged we provide a follow-up treatment plan so that you can continue care with the physician or other clinician who referred you to Silver Hill.
top Q. What will my insurance cover?
A. We participate in most major insurance plans. However, insurance policies and benefits vary greatly. Silver Hill’s admissions staff will help you obtain information on your policy concerning allowable benefits, co-pays and deductibles.
top Q. Can you send your adolescent a care package?
A. Yes. Staff will assist your adolescent in opening your care packages.
top Q. Are laptops allowed? Are computers available?
A. We do not allow patients to bring laptops or computers with them, as we know this sometimes distracts a person from treatment. We do have computers available in the Patient and Medical Library if the treatment team determines that the patient can have access to them.
top Q. Can cell phones be used?
A. Patients are not permitted to use cell phones. We recommend that your adolescent bring a list of frequently called numbers, as there is a telephone available for patient use.
top Q. What are the exercise options?
A. Exercise is incorporated into each program, consistent with the patient’s clinical readiness to use exercise facilities. We have an indoor fitness center, a large gymnasium, and an outdoor tennis court.
top Q. What is the dress code?
A. Appropriate clothing is required at all times. Shorts shorter than mid-thigh, bare midriffs, see-through clothing, miniskirts, tank tops, spaghetti string shirts, or any items with inappropriate logos or messages are not permitted. Your adolescent may be asked to change clothing deemed by staff to be inappropriate. Staff will assess the appropriateness of a patient’s appearance, including makeup, hair and cleanliness. Walking barefoot in the buildings or on hospital grounds is not allowed.
top Q. How much clothing should we bring?
A. One week’s worth of clothing, in a single bag, is sufficient.
top Q. Are there laundry facilities?
A. No, but laundry services are available at an additional fee if needed.
top Q. Can children visit?
A. Only immediate siblings provided they are supervised.
top Q. Are there Area Hotels where parents and family members can stay when visiting?
A. Roger Sherman Inn: 203-966-4541
Maples Inn: 202-966-2927
Hilton Garden Inn: 203-523-4000
Marriott Courtyard: 203-849-9111
Sheraton Four Points: 203-849-9828
top |
